Best of UC 2017
Best of UC
Feb. 6, 2017
Best of UC
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Best Breakfast: Hangover Easy
Best Landlord: Uptown Rentals
Best Burger: Keystone Bar and Grill
Best Residence Hall: Daniels Hall
Best Chinese Food: King Wok
Best Place to Study: Langsam Library
Best Indian Food: Adeep India
Best Place to Park (Off Campus): Straight Street
Best Mexican Food: Los Patrillos
Best Park Near Campus: Burnet Woods
Best Pizza: Adriatico’s
Best Place to Enjoy a Sunny Day: Sigma Sigma
Best Sushi: Izen’s Drunken Bento
Commons
Best Dessert: Graeter’s
Coolest Building on Campus: DAAP
Best New Restaurant: Raising Cane’s
Best Student Organization: Mountaineering
Best Coffee Shop: Rohs Street Cafe
Club
Best Bar: Ladder 19
Best Annual Event: Homecoming
Best Concert Venue: The 86
Best Fraternity: Delta Tau Delta
Best Hookah Bar: Gypsy Cafe
Best Sorority: Theta Phi Alpha
Best Smoke Shop: The Cupboard
Favorite Male Athlete: Troy Caupain
Best Tattoo Shop: Beelistic Tattoo
Favorite Female Athlete: Julie Gavorski
Best Clothing Store: Urban Outfitters
Favorite Coach: Mick Cronin
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Best of UC
Feb. 6, 2017
Langsam is the most popular study location on campus JACOB FISHER | CONTRIBUTOR
To the uninformed, Langsam Library is just a library. For students and staff at UC, Langsam stands as a centerpiece of main campus. A beacon of knowledge and technology, the library is synonymous with progress. Students seeking a place to study, rest, caffeinate or collaborate with peers should look no further. 2017 marks fifty years since the initial drafts for Langsam were completed. In 1967, a planning committee recommended a new central library to serve the humanities and social sciences. Though it would take over eleven years to complete, in 1978, the Central Library was opened. By the end of its second year in operation, the
$14 million establishment was serving over triple the number of users than the previous library. The ‘80s were a decade of upgrades and renovations for UC’s library network. Circulation of materials increased by 50 percent at the Central Library, and the university raised over $1.5 million for libraries to expand their graduate and research collections. In 1986, following the passing of historian and former UC President Walter C. Langsam, the library was renamed in his honor. By the turn of the century, the library continued to thrive. With over three hundred public computers and 3 million volumes of resources and other works by 2005, Langsam Library emerged as a cornerstone of
technological advancement in the new millennium. Today, Langsam Library remains a popular destination of choice for UC students and a historical landmark for the university. Recent improvements include a Starbucks, a renovated Learning Commons and new presentation software. A member of the Association of Research Libraries since 1932, UC takes great pride in providing quality resources for students. “There’s a lot of space,” said Brad Steimle, a third-year finance student. “I like how open the seating area is on the fourth floor.” Langsam’s fourth floor began providing 24/7 access for students at the start of fall semester 2016. The library’s busiest location, the
fourth floor is now home to the public access computers formerly located in UCit@ Langsam on the fifth floor. Other renovations include expanded seating options to provide space for meetings and gatherings. “It’s great for research,” said Jay Williams, a first-year political science student. Williams and a classmate utilized Langsam’s extensive resource index to research topics for a course. UC’s vast resource index is among the university’s finest achievements. Main campus hosts ten different libraries, all of which collaborate with the university’s regional campus libraries. Though all are under separate administration, the end result is a strong partnership among all UC libraries that promotes the advancement
of a massive, collective library catalog. In the 2003-2005 UC Libraries’ Strategic Plan, the university sought to establish its library network as “the scholarly information and research gateway of first choice for all members of the University of Cincinnati community.”Through its
commitment to quality resources, UC’s libraries are among the university’s most valuable assets. With abundant space, informed staff and ample access to technology and resources, Langsam Library remains the prime hotspot for university students and staff.
DAVID GIFREDA | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Electrical engineering graduate student Shashank Ranganath does his schoolwork in a corner of Langsam on Friday February 3, 2017.
Daniels voted best residence hall CLARITY AMREIN | STAFF REPORTER
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Daniels Hall, Saturday, February 4, 2017.
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UC students voted Daniels Hall as their favorite residence hall on campus for the second year in a row, winning by a whopping 33 percent margin. Housing about 700 students on 12 floors with approximately 70 residents per floor, Daniels Hall is one of the largest on campus. Daniels has single and triple rooms, but the suite-style quad layout is what brings students together. The building also offers study and community lounges, kitchens and plenty of storage space. Community Coordinator of Daniels Hall and UC Alumna Livvy Berry said that this “unique community layout” is what separates Daniels from other dorms on campus. She said that she felt Daniels Hall residents had strong firstyear community pride, and that they are vocal about that pride. She noted that the residence assistants were highly involved with their residents and strike the
“right balance between being a friend and being an RA.” Daniels Hall offers many activities for its residents, including food days, contests, a Valentine’s Day celebration and football game watching parties. Just recently, the hall held a Chinese New Year celebration. Daniels Hall also has a very active Student Government, Daniels Hall Association (DHA), Berry said. Although she didn’t want to reveal too much, she alluded to an event for Daniels’ upcoming 50year anniversary, as the building opened in 1967. Daniels has also undergone some new changes to keep students safer. In addition to visible desk assistants and RAs, Daniels is one of the first to implement a 24-hour help desk, so students are always able to reach someone if necessary. Desk assistants are still checking guests’ IDs, but Berry was excited to report that they would be
testing a new online check-in system. Inside Daniels Hall, diverse students are all around. Music and chatter can be heard throughout this co-ed dorm, and residents from other floors and residence halls often come to visit. The cozy white rooms have a beautiful view of campus or the city, each with their own unique furniture arrangement, movie posters and roommates. One resident, Alex Rhoades, a first-year business student, said that he liked Daniels because “this is where all my friends are.” He said the built-in community in Daniels Hall has made his transition into college much easier. It seems there’s no wonder why Daniels Hall is on a twoyear winning streak. Its strong community, dedicated adult and student faculty and updated safety features make students feel right at home.
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Best of UC
Feb. 6, 2017
Burnet Woods named best park near UC campus
CAROLE POSTER | CONTRIBUTOR
Burnet Woods was named Best Park Near Campus in TNR’s Best of UC 2017 poll.
Straight Street offers easy and convenient off campus parking for students KARLY WILLIAMS | OPINION EDITOR
Sick of overcrowded parking around the University of Cincinnati? Straight Street may be the solution to your parking woes. Rush hour or not, finding a spot in Clifton can be hard with residents’ and commuters’ cars lining the streets around the university and surrounding businesses and restaurants. It is also not uncommon for cars parked on Clifton streets to be hit due to the lack of space or for them to be broken into and have valuables taken. While it may be steep, Straight Street is an excellent place to park for any UC student.
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Most importantly, the location of this long street is perfect for students. Straight Street conveniently empties out to Clifton Avenue by Deaconess Hospital, which is directly across from the McMicken Circle, the main gateway to everything UC has to offer. Another perk of Straight Street is its width. Many surrounding streets of UC are too narrow, making driving and parking a hassle – and even sometimes dangerous. Straight Street, being more of a major street, has plenty of room for through traffic to travel and for your mirrors and bumper to avoid a beating. The bottom of the street also runs into Spring Grove
Avenue, giving drivers a backroad alternative to I-75 if needed – highway backups, crashes and construction common to Cincinnati interstates can all be avoided. Its other intersecting streets also give drivers access to convenient backroads of Clifton. Also a perk, Straight Street stays relatively busy due to the fact that it’s a bigger and longer street. This defers car theft from happening like it would on quieter, dimmer streets. Additionally, walking down the hill back to your car is easy as pie. The only challenge that comes with keeping your beloved automobile on Straight Street is its
aforementioned steepness. In fact, the street’s hill was home to The Straight Street Hill Climb, created in 1976 by the Clifton Track Club. Members raced up towards Clifton Avenue in cold November weather as an annual tradition. Although the group track club has changed into the Runners Club of Greater Cincinnati, Straight Street remains a climb to this day. Parking on Straight Street also gives students easy access to walk to Clifton Heights restaurants and shops for any needed grub or supplies. For quick access to Downtown Cincinnati, drivers can zip down the intersecting Ravine Street.
CAROLE POSTER | CONTRIBUTOR
Straight St, located off of Clifton Ave was voted best place to park near campus. Saturday Feb. 4, 2017.
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Best of UC
Feb. 6, 2017
Bearcats prefer to spend their sunny days in Sigma Sigma RYAN CLADY | CONTRIBUTOR
The upper part of west campus is called Sigma Sigma Commons. People go there to relax, hang out and get a break from classes. Sigma Sigma used to be a large parking lot, but UC called for a greater plan – a green campus. Recreated in 1998, Sigma Sigma Commons was repurposed into a green space that added a place for students to kick back, as well as add personality for the campus. “I live in Scioto, and I look out on Sigma Sigma every day. I think the waterfall, in particular, is a beautiful feature,” said first-year urban planning student Jack Cunningham. Sigma Sigma Commons is home to a very diverse group of people. Sigma Sigma Commons was a men’s honors fraternity, the longest lasting honorary organization on UC’s campus. Sigma Sigma Fraternity
funded the construction of the Sigma Sigma Commons, which included the 65-foot tall Tower of Light, which honors Ronald F. Walker, a UC Sigma Sigma member and university supporter. Mr. Walker died in 1997, a year before the construction of Sigma Sigma Commons. He was a co-op student at UC, later becoming the president of the American Financial Association, CEO of Chiquita Bananas, board member of the University of Cincinnati Foundation and a trustee of Tri Health. The header on UC’s Blackboard features the tower between Tangeman University Center and the Student Life Center, with the flame on top changing colors. Every May, the fraternity hosts the Sigma Sigma Carnival during Alumni Weekend, which dates back to 1939. The Sigma Sigma Carnival is the longest running student-operated event in university history. The
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sigma Sigma Commons Sunday afternoon, February 5, 2017.
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Carnival brings together the community on Sigma Sigma Commons to eat, drink, play games and watch fireworks. Events happen on Sigma Sigma all the time. For example, the Red and Black Bash is a free concert that happens during Welcome Weekend and is free for UC students to attend. Looking back on the last few years, there have been performers like Mat and Kim, The Moglies and St. Lucia. Students also hold tailgating parties on the commons to prepare for games. Tailgating is an activity that never gets old because groups of people get together to celebrate a sports team and have fun together, providing a sense of fellowship and community. Tailgating parties have spread to the pre-game festivities at sporting events besides football, such as basketball, hockey, soccer and baseball, and they also occur at non-sporting events like weddings, barbecues and concerts. Tailgating typically involves the consumption of alcoholic beverages or soft drinks and the grilling of various meat products. Popular tailgate party foods include picnic staples, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw or potato salad. Some food products were created because of tailgate parties. A brand of pimento cheese, called Palmetto Cheese, got its start at Atlanta Braves tailgate parties. The reasons are obvious why Sigma Sigma won UC’s best place to relax. It’s a place for concerts, hanging out with friends and having a good time.
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
DAAP building, February 4, 2017.
DAAP is UC’s coolest building KARLY WILLIAMS | OPINION EDITOR
The University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning isn’t just amazing for its academic programs – the buildings that house the college are mind blowing as well. Non-DAAP students may believe that only the long, multicolored cubic building is DAAP, but the college actually consists of four buildings, including the Frederick H. and Eleanora C.U. Alms Memorial Hall built in 1952, the DAA Addition built in 1956, the Wolfson Center for Environmental Design built in 1972 and the Aronoff Center for Design and Art. DAAP’s highlights include their art supply store, photography lab and the DAAP cafe, a student favorite where artists and designers can grab a bite and sip on a coffee or tea to fuel their creative drive. High ceilings in the main lobby are an attractive design point and are welcoming to students and staff. The building itself can sometimes feel like a maze with confusing hallways and
corridors cutting throughout the building, but navigating gets easier with time. DAAP offers plenty of space for Bearcats to thrive artistically with studios, design labs and galleries, letting them work, learn and display their art. Uniqueness is what sets DAAP apart from other buildings at UC. Not only is DAAP architecturally appealing and one of a kind, but the content and environment it houses is as well. “Ethan,” the college’s pseudo mascot, is just one example of this. As a student, alumnus Alan Marrero created this life-sized human-like sculpture in 2005 and placed him on a ledge inside of DAAP as part of an installation assignment. Ethan has even become a part of the University of Cincinnati Fine Arts Collection, and to this day he greets visitors from his hunched position on the ledge. Every ounce of DAAP fosters the creative process, even the stairwells and bathrooms, which are often seen decorated with drawings, creative phrases or abstract splashes of color.
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Feb. 6, 2017
Best of UC
Delta Tau Delta voted best frat ZACHARY PERRIN | STAFF REPORTER
Delta Tau Delta, often known as Delt, was voted the best fraternity at UC. Delt was founded in 1909, and its members frequently give back to the UC community by doing 1,0001,500 community service hours every year. Last year, they raised $6,000 for diabetes research. “We really try and give back to the community,” said Delta Tau Delta President Jordan Baskin, a third-year finance and pre-law student. “Nationally, [Delt] is involved with JDRF, or
the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, so a lot of our community service events are with them. Basically any philanthropy event we do, we give money to JDRF. That’s one of the main things why a lot of guys join Delt, to give back to the community.” Delta Tau Delta prides itself on brotherhood that lasts for their whole lives, not just when they’re undergraduates. The fraternity currently has about 120 members, with 33 living in the house itself and an impressive list of notable alumni the members frequently interact
CAROLE POSTER | CONTRIBUTOR
Mike Hall, a third year communications student, standing outside the Delta Tau Delta house on Thursday Feb, 2, 2017.
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with. “I always hang out with guys that are like 30-40 years old,” said Alex Sartin, a fourth-year marketing and sales student and member of Delta Tau Delta. “I never was a pledge brother with them. I never rushed with them, never did any of that, but I can relate to them. We’ve been through the same stuff, and that’s the awesome part. I think that’s kind of what does set us aside. I mean, you see all the fraternities. My cousin was in [Kappa Sigma], my other cousin was in [Sigma Chi], great fraternities, but the one thing that [my cousin] mentioned that we have is our brotherhood is just that strong. I think that’s something that we probably pride our legacy on.” Strong support from alumni helps the members network and strive for success in their lives. “We’ll have one of these guys come in, and we’ll have somebody that might be a freshman that isn’t involved in anything, that wasn’t big in high school, that’s still not big here. They’ll have one 10-minute conversation with these guys and boom. It clicks. They’re like, aw, dude, I want to drive that BMW whenever I go hang out with my friends, and out of nowhere you see them getting involved on campus. They’re focusing on their grades, they’re focusing on becoming something so much bigger than what they are,” said Sartin. Members in the house have fun living with close brothers, but they make sure to hold each other accountable in their academics. “A lot of people who don’t live here think it’s different than it is,” said Baskin. “Because there’s 33 guys, there’s always people around. It’s like 33 of your best friends to hang out with. There’s someone always to talk to, there’s guys always studying, hanging out upstairs. It’s really fun. And then if you want your alone time, you need to go maybe in your room to study, you can go in your room and people kind of understand that.”
JOEY MORAND | CONTRIBUTOR
Theta Phi Alpha, located on Joselin Avenue, was named the number one sorority on campus
Top sorority: Theta Phi Alpha ISABELLA JANSEN | ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR
Many have noticed and taken interest in the bright blue doors of the Theta Phi Alpha house, wondering what exactly goes on behind those doors to make TPA the best sorority here at the University of Cincinnati for two years in a row. “We were super pumped when we won again, and it is awesome to hear that people outside of TPA feel the same way,” says Raygene Skrinak, a fourth-year biology student and third-year member of Theta Phi Alpha. Theta Phi Alpha founded the fifth chapter at UC in June 1919, and it is now the oldest chapter in existence within Theta Phi Alpha holding true to their motto, “Ever loyal, everlasting.” Savannah McCray, a second-year early childhood education student and second-year member of Theta Phi Alpha, said she has really found her place at UC within TPA, owing all her philanthropy involvement to them. Theta Phi Alpha’s non-prophet is The Dragon Fly, which provides comfort and joy for kids and young adults experiencing cancer. This past November, the sorority was able to raise $1,566.50 at their annual Pumpkin Fest and more than $11,000 in the past few years. One thing that truly makes Theta Phi Alpha stand out is how the members treat one another, as well as their surrounding sororities and the UC community as a whole. Sage Knight, a second-year social work student, is a first-year
member of Theta Phi Alpha and is an individual who never thought that Greek life was the life for her. “There are no cliques here, and everyone gets along with each other. I remember noticing there being inside jokes with the whole chapter,” said Knight. The love and friendship was evident throughout the entire room at TPA’s Tuesday night dinner. “People are all around so genuine,” said McCray. “The sisterhood we have internally and the bonds we have outside of our chapter is what makes us so special.” Theta Phi Alpha is home to so many diverse and bright young ladies who do more than simply belong to a sorority. “We are really involved on campus, and we have members who are strong leaders on campus outside of Greek life, always doing more for the community,” said Skrinak. For many of the members of Theta Phi Alpha, they have found a place to call home at UC. They have surrounded themselves with supportive and positive influences that push them to do more each and every day. For McCray, this is a place that allowed her to come out of her shell and gave her the confidence boost she needed. Take all of your negative stereotypes of sorority girls that you have in your head and toss them aside because what you will find within Theta Phi Alpha is genuine and motivated young women serving their community.
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Feb. 6, 2017
Best of UC
UC Mountaineering Club voted best club by huge margin other outdoor activities. The club’s mission is to “enhance the college experience by providing students with the opportunity to acquire leadership skills, experience team work, build selfconfidence and participate in outdoor activities that may otherwise be out of reach,” according to the club’s website. UCMC also offers an outdoor leadership scholarship program. Renamed the Steve Must Memorial Scholarship after a passed member, the fund aims to help undergraduate students attend wilderness and outdoor educational programs, according to the website. The recipient of the award is then expected to pass on the knowledge they acquire through the program
EMILY STOLTZ | CHIEF REPORTER
The UC Mountaineering Club won best of UC’s “Best Student Organization” by a 38 percent margin. Since its inception in 1971, the UC Mountaineering Club has been dedicated to educating students about the great outdoors. According to UCMC’s website, the group has grown into one of the largest student groups at UC and has enjoyed a “long and fruitful existence.” The University of Cincinnati Mountaineering Club “is a four-season club dedicated to self-awareness and education in the outdoors,” according to the website. UCMC members take part in activities such as cycling, climbing, canoeing, backpacking, skiing, skydiving and a number of
with the rest of the group’s members. The group holds general meetings every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Old Chem 525 to discuss topics ranging from first aid to equipment use and care, as well as to plan their next endeavor. UCMC plans brief trips for every weekend and longer ventures for each of the semester breaks. The group’s weekly meetings also include guest speakers, educational classes and slideshows in order to maintain a high level of interest, according to the website. The group also focuses on education about environmental issues that directly affect the nature they so enjoy. The club encourages outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels to
become involved. “Almost all of our members never did any sort of camping or outdoor activities before they joined UCMC,” said Cameron Uptmor, the group’s president and fourthyear marketing student. According to Uptmor, the majority of the group’s more seasoned members participated in beginner trips and gained their knowledge over time with the group. Even if a student is interested but cannot commit to an obligation every week, the group still encourages participation. “We have about 75 students who regularly attend our weekly meetings, and dozens more that kind of float in and out,” said Uptmor. He added that the open house held in the beginning of the fall semester boasted over 400
attendees. The group prides itself on being beginner-friendly. UCMC even provides gear to beginners through a university space called the Gear Cave. According to Uptmor, new members can find items such as sleeping bags, tents, camping stoves, water filters and climbing equipment. “Anything someone may need, we have it,” said Uptmor.
In addition to outdoor and wilderness education, the group aims to create a unique sense of community and friendship that the organization’s website claims “comes from a team of people striving toward a common goal.” According to Uptmor, “it’s a great club for all students to get involved in, no matter their outdoor experience or interest.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY UC MOUNTAINEERING CLUB’S WEBSITE
FOR BEARCATS BASKETBALL WOMEN’S BASKETBALL REMAINING SCHEDULE UCONN* // TUESDAY FEB. 7 7:00 PM
MEMPHIS* // SATURDAY FEB. 18 3:00 PM
TULSA* // MONDAY FEB. 27 7:00 PM
ALL WOMEN BASKETBALL GAMES ARE FREE!
MEN’S BASKETBALL REMAINING SCHEDULE UCF* // WEDNESDAY FEB. 8 9:00 PM
TULSA* // SATURDAY FEB. 18 NOON
MEMPHIS* // THURSDAY FEB. 23 7:00 PM
HOUSTON* // THURSDAY MAR. 2 7:00 PM
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GOBEARCATS.com
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Best of UC
Feb. 6, 2017
Soccer star Julie Gavorski shines as UC’s favorite female athlete DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR
Julie Gavorski has plenty of accolades. The University of Cincinnati women’s soccer team’s forward was named to the American Athletic Conference AllTournament and Rookie teams, as well the 2016 All-Conference Second Team. Now, her peers and fans have elected her as the Best of UC Favorite Female Athlete. “I think it is really cool to have people around you that support you in any way possible. So, I think it’s just a good feeling to know people are here for you,” Gavorski said. Gavorski uses the accolades she has been awarded as motivation to improve. “When you get an honor roll, you always want to get an offensive player of the week the next week.
So, [I am] basically striving to do better each time, but it’s still a good feeling no matter what,” Gavorski said. Gavorski’s teammate, goal keeper Madison Less, had high praise for her. “She’s very supportive of other athletic teams, she’s a very genuinely nice person,” Less said. In addition, the third-year forward is a helpful teammate. “She’s understanding of everyone on the team, and people know that they could talk to her about everything,” Less said. During her junior year in 2016, Gavorski led the Bearcats in points, with 17 off eight goals and one assist and shots with 56. The year prior, she was No. 3 on the team with 11 points off four goals and three assists. “As a forward, you’re supposed
to be up there, scoring goals or shooting on target. This is definitely one of the better years I have had. In the past, I have had a few injuries, but it’s just something that’s expected as a forward,” Gavorski said. Less said that Gavorski’s strongest aspects of her game are her strength on the ball and the will to finish, but there are areas Gavorski would like to improve. “I would say being more of a vocal leader,” Gavorski said. “Everyone leads in different ways, so that’s something I need to work on better, and [being] more assertive and just being more confident and talking to my teammates.” Gavorski’s team lost in the quarterfinals in the American Athletic Conference tournament to the University of South Florida last season. They ultimately fell in
penalty kicks 4-3, after both teams went scoreless in regulation and through two overtimes. This came a season after the Bearcats won the whole tournament and made an appearance in the NCAA tournament, where they lost to Virginia Tech University. “This year, we struggled a little bit. We ended up getting to the [AAC] tournament, which is what we wanted to do, but I just think we had a very young team,” Gavorski said. To reach the same success they did two seasons ago, Gavorski said it will take the right mentality. “Something our coach always strives [for] is having a mentality and putting your 100 percent effort every game,” Gavorski said. The two other women nominated for the Favorite UC Female Athlete
award was volleyball player Jordan Thompson and basketball player Shanice Johnson. Johnson is a community collegetransfer. In her first year at UC, she is leading the Bearcats in scoring and has helped them jump out to a 14-8 record. Thompson was awarded the 2016 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year, leading the conference in kills with 580, and she helped lead the volleyball team to the NCAA tournament. Gavorski is a Thompson fan. “I’m really close to her, and she’s obviously a really good volleyball player. She’s done many good things. She went to China. She’s definitely up there for sure,” Gavorski said.
PROVIDED BY N.C. BROWN
File art of Julie Gavorski (18), Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Gettler Stadium
PROVIDED BY N.C. BROWN
File art of Julie Gavorski (18), Monday, August 22, 2016 at Nippert Stadium
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PROVIDED BY N.C. BROWN
File art of Julie Gavorski (18), Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Gettler Stadium Stadium
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Best of UC
Feb. 6, 2017
FILE ART
FILE ART
Mick Cronin wins the title of UC’s favorite coach DAVID WYSONG | SPORTS EDITOR
He’s a 5-foot-7, 45-year-old man with no hair on his head, and he’s constantly yelling at college students. His name is Mick Cronin, and he is the Best of UC Favorite Coach on Campus. Cronin is in the middle of his 11th season as the University of Cincinnati’s men’s head basketball coach. He has been in Cincinnati much longer than 11 years, however. Like LeBron James to Cleveland, Cronin is Cincinnati’s son. He was born in Cincinnati, went to high school at the local La Salle High School, graduated college at UC and was an assistant to former Bearcats’ coach Bob Huggins from 1996-2001. After taking his first head coaching job at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, in
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2003, Cronin eventually came back home during the 2006-07 season. “Mick has been here for so long,” said second-year sports administration student Joe Metzger. “He’s been loyal to this school, and people in Cincinnati love loyal people; they appreciate loyal people.” Cronin has a head coaching record of 293-155. In addition, he won the American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year during the 2013-14 season. His Bearcats have also been to six-straight NCAA Tournaments, a claim only eight schools in the country can make. Some students believe Cronin has been so successful because of his ability to recruit. “He is a great recruiter, and he is able to develop players and win games,” said third-year secondary history education student Alexander Vinolus.
Metzger agrees. “He recruits the kids he knows he can get. He has a system, and he gets kids that fit his system. When you have kids that fit a system and play hard, you’re going to win,” Metzger said. In addition, his passion sets Cronin apart. “He coaches with passion, and I feel like he has high expectations for his players and the basketball program,” said first-year special education student Ryan Forbush. Despite students favoring Cronin over others, electing him as their favorite coach on campus, Metzger believes he is not appreciated enough. In his first two seasons, the Bearcats went 11-19 and 13-19 under Cronin, and they were in a rebuilding phase. “I wish more alumni and students thanked him regularly when they saw him,” Metzger said. “When
he came here, people forget how bad the program was. Everyone transferred, no recruits were coming in and Huggins and [Andy] Kennedy had been fired, which left a sour taste in Bearcat fans’ mouths.” That’s a far cry from where the Bearcat program is now. “He has taken this program from nothing to soon to be seven-straight tournament appearances. That’s impressive, and the city should be thankful for what he’s done,” Metzger said. Cronin’s Bearcats are in the middle of a 14-game winning streak, as they are 20-2 on the season. Their most recent win came when they defeated their rivaled University of Connecticut Huskies 82-68 on Saturday. “We made so many shots today, and that is what broke [UConn’s] spirit,” Cronin said. The other two UC coaches
nominated were women’s volleyball coach Molly Alvey, and women’s soccer coach Neil Stafford. “I think the other coach that should’ve won it is Molly Alvey, simply because they have been absolutely amazing the past two seasons,”Vinolus said. Alvey’s volleyball team has gone 43-20 the past two years with a trip to the NCAA tournament this past season. Stafford’s soccer team has gone 24-11-9 in that same time-span, making a NCAA tournament appearance two seasons ago. Cronin’s basketball team plays their next game at home in Fifth Third Arena against the University of Central Florida on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. and the game will be aired on ESPNU.
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Feb. 6, 2017
Best of UC
Homecoming is the one mustattend event held every year JOEY MORAND | STAFF REPORTER
AARON DORSTEN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Shaq Washington receives the honor of being added to the Ring of Honor at Nippert Stadium during UC’s homecoming game against East Carolina University, Saturday, October 23, 2016.
If you ever have a friend or someone else ask what is the best weekend to visit the University of Cincinnati to gain the true Bearcat experience, there is only one weekend that should come to mind – homecoming. You might be thinking, “Is homecoming really the best weekend at UC?” Let me go ahead and answer. Yes. Homecoming is not just about giving two people a plastic crown at halftime during the football game. It’s about bringing the UC community together. Cornhole bags smack against the boards, tailgate grills are on full blast, Clifton Avenue is taken over by tissue paper covered trucks and some of the biggest house parties of the year are thrown. It may be a long way away, but students around the university are already getting excited for next year’s homecoming. Emma Smith is a first-year criminal justice student, and she took full advantage of everything homecoming had to offer earlier this school
year. “I went to a fraternity for a little while and had a lot of fun there, then I went and watched the parade with my friends and some UC alumni,” said Smith. Smith said she also went to one of the biggest activities UC’s homecoming has to offer, the homecoming football game. Smith said she had a lot of fun during the homecoming festivities and cannot wait for next year’s celebration. Nick Zampounis, a fourthyear operations management student, said one of the things he is going to miss the most after graduation is the homecoming parade. For those of you who have never seen or been a part of the parade, fraternities and sororities work together to create amazing floats, and they ride all the way down Clifton Avenue. “Being drunk on a float was definitely the best part of homecoming,” said Zampounis. Zampounis also talked about how he enjoys hanging out with friends and rejoicing in the homecoming
atmosphere. Throughout the day, students and alumni fill the front yards of local houses, all wearing their red and black, and come together to form what looks like a neighborhood tailgate party. This is a day that knows no strangers, but only loyal bearcats. The energy that the students bring throughout the day is one of the things Kellie Behrle, a fourthyear communications student, feels makes UC’s homecoming so special. “I really like the atmosphere the students bring throughout the day,” said Behrle. “I think it really shows our school spirit, and I think it is inspiring to see all of the students come together to support our school.” It is a day that is dedicated to all members of the UC community. It brings together the young and the old. Homecoming celebrates the members who make up the past, the present and the future of UC.
䈀攀猀琀 漀昀 唀䌀 圀椀渀渀攀爀 ⴀ 䈀攀猀琀 䴀攀砀椀挀愀渀 刀攀猀琀愀甀爀愀渀琀 吀栀愀渀欀 夀漀甀 唀䌀℀ 䠀愀瀀瀀礀 䠀漀甀爀 ㌀ⴀ㜀 䔀瘀攀爀礀 䐀愀礀 AARON DORSTEN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Bearcats celebrate their win at Nippert Stadium during UC’s homecoming game against East Carolina University, Saturday, October 22, 2016.
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㌀㘀 䰀甀搀氀漀眀 䄀瘀攀Ⰰ 䌀椀渀挀椀渀渀愀琀椀 伀䠀 㐀㔀㈀㈀ 㔀㌀ ㌀㌀ ㌀㌀ ⴀ 䌀愀氀氀 昀漀爀 䐀攀琀愀椀氀猀
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Best of UC
Feb. 6, 2017
Troy Caupain named favorite male athlete by UC JASON SZELEST | STAFF REPORTER
University of Cincinnati men’s basketball senior guard Troy Caupain was voted the favorite male athlete by the students. After leading the team in scoring last season, Caupain has stepped down a bit this season to make way for budding stars Jacob Evans and Kyle Washington. However, the senior-leader is still averaging 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this year. The stats do not tell the whole story for him, however, as his ability to perform in the closing seconds have defined him more than his overall numbers. On Dec. 22, 2016, against Marshall University, he made just three of the 14 shots he attempted, but the last of his three buckets happened to be a game-winner just before the buzzer. In Cincinnati’s comeback win over the University of Tulsa last week, he delivered five points in the final minute, including another game-winning basket with only four seconds remaining. “It is awesome to know that when the game is on the line, we have someone who I can always count on to make the play for us,” said fourth-year engineering student Jon Von Hoene. “He has bailed us out so many times. He really is the definition of clutch.” While his on-court performance has earned him first team all-conference honors and the admiration of many fans, it is what he does when the jersey is off that separates him from the rest of the athletes on campus. Fourth-year marketing student Jared Long’s favorite thing about Caupain is his commitment to making the most of his education. “You hear all the time about these athletes who never go
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to class and only care about playing,” Long said. “I was in a class with him, and he showed up every day. He didn’t just show up just to be there either. He was always participating and never acted like he was too good to actually learn something just because he will probably end up playing basketball professionally.” The humble attitude he displays stands out to fourthyear mechanical engineering student Eric Holtmeier. “When you see him walking on campus and say hey to him, he will actually respond to what you are saying,” Holtmeier said. “He always does it with a smile too, like he is happy to have you bothering him. A lot of athletes just treat people like they are better than them, but he just acts like a normal student.” Fourth-year business management student Brendan Wambaugh was also most impressed by Caupain’s willingness to blend in with the common crowd on campus. “My friends and I were at the Rec playing basketball one day, and he just showed up and started playing with us,”Wambaugh said. “He was just there being a normal student and having fun with us. He wasn’t even being a ball-hog either. Like obviously he knows he could easily just score on us every time, but he was trying to get other people involved instead of just trying to win.” With Caupain’s time at Cincinnati coming to an end, someone else will have to fill the void left by the fanfavorite. “He is a guy who you are really going to miss as a fan of Cincy sports,”Wambaugh said. “He has really become the face of Bearcats athletics over the past couple years.”
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UConn guard Jalen Adams (2) jokes around with Troy Caupain (10) during the second half of the game, Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Fifth Third Arena.
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Troy Caupain (10) drives to the basket against UConn, Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Fifth Third Arena.
JEAN PLEITEZ | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Troy Caupain (10) drives through UConn defender, Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Fifth Third Arena.
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